Ah, Yes. Fall is closing in fast and I have many plans for my team this season. I live close to Pisgah National Forest (Grandfather District) and have decided to hold a fun run sometime this winter. Just WHEN is the question!
I’m thinking about either late October or December. Depends on when it really starts cooling down, but I hear we may actually have a good fall starting in October so will have to see when that time comes. Jeff in KY is planning his late November, so I don’t want to run too many things together. The area is right near rugged Wilson’s Creek, a majestic streak of rushing white water adorned with huge boulders and frost covered pines. All Around the area are dirt roads rarely shorter than 4 miles, with very little traffic. A southern musher’s paradise!
However I am concerned about who would want to come. I believe Virginia has the largest amount of mushers in one state down here, which traveling for most isn’t a over bearing trek. Unfortunatly, I have come to realize that alot of mushers also tend to stay on flat, even cinder covered rail trails unlike what I run here (mostly because of smaller teams). I’m not saying an easy trail is bad, just that I think a little variance would be nice. The road I plan to camp and run on is FR 982 (Craig Creek Rd.) Part of it is Nat’l Forest while the other is just ‘God’s Country’ or that’s what it’s been called for I don’t know how long. These section of roads are located in Newland, NC - about 20 minutes from my kennel.
Like most fun runs, there will only be primitive camping and running ‘at your own risk’. I will be camping somewhere along the beginning of the road, but depending on where your directions take you, you might have to travel to find me, but the whole area on any of the roads is scattered with camping spots. I have talked with several rangers and have gotten the blessing and permission to hold one, and everyone is just absolutely intrigued by the idea of Dryland Mushing.. so we might have a small crowd of rangers as well. Hunting seasons right into each other, so there is really no way to avoid them all together. I was informed that everyone should wear bright vests, but we shouldn’t have any trouble because there are not many hunters who travel out that way anyways. I already have several from surrounding states interested, even though some may think of it as a challenge. These roads (FR 982, which will be the main running area, stretches 7.5 miles) have big hills, kiss-yer-butt curves and uneven surfaces in areas. Other than that, it is such a gorgeous place to run and I am blessed to have discovered it by dog team. If we plan it just right we might get snow as well!
More than likely it will be open to all, even if you don’t have a rig or bike, it’s a great place all together for a good time. I’m sure me and other larger mushers can lend equipment to newbies if need be…Although I do believe I won’t hold it as a club event, to avoid conflict of interest among groups. Good to be NC Director, can’t wait to see all those who want to come!
If you are interested, click here for mapping and directions.
Please let me know if you have any suggestions on a date that would be best, and check back for updates as fall is nearing!
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